Interview Tips

General Tips for Interview Success:

  • Confidence is key.

  • Presentation and a good first impression matter. Dress appropriately, be on time, and be polite

  • If you're feeling jittery before an interview, try some breathing exercises to help calm any nerves.

    • You can also try repeating positive affirmations to yourself. Remember, you got this!

  • After the interview, send a thank-you note if possible. This lets the employer know that you are serious about wanting to be hired.

  • Bring several copies of your resume and transcript to your interview- 3 at max.

Research The Company.

Getting a bit of background information on the company you're applying to can help you interview more confidently.

For example, if the job description is asking for someone good in a collaborative environment, you will know to go into the interview and speak about your people skills and how you are able to communicate effectively with other people.

Practice Interview Questions.

Your interviewer wants to get to know you and why you're a good fit for the job. The key is to make your answers direct and professional. Describe your background, your previous experiences, achievements, responsibilities, and how you came across the position you're applying for.

Practice with a friend! Practicing your answers out loud can help you gain confidence as you get more comfortable speaking about yourself.

Create a List of References.

Including a list of references on your resume helps employers to learn more about your professional history and details about the kind of employee you are.

References can include current or former managers, supervisors, coworkers, employees, academic advisors, or professional mentors.

Make a Good First Impression.

Be on time, dress appropriately (adhere to company dress code), maintain eye contact, good manners, and confident body language.

Respond truthfully and positively to questions. Keep your answers concise and circle back to talking about your skills and achievements. Do not talk negatively about previous employers or coworkers.

Ask Your Interviewer Questions.

Employers expect you to ask questions to show your interest in the position.

Example questions can include:

What responsibilities does this position entail?

What characteristics make a successful employee at this job?

What do you like best about working here?

How would you describe company culture?

What should I expect next after this interview?